Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Calvert Cliffs State Park adventure.
Jagged sea cliffs and sandy shores harbor prehistoric fossils at this park.
Soaring sea cliffs line the shores of Chesapeake Bay at Calvert Cliffs, but the most sought-after treasures of this state park lie buried underfoot. Some 600 known species of fossils have been found beneath the coastal cliffs, and fossil hunters can still unearth some unique finds. It’s an almost 2-mile walk from the day-use area to reach the beach, but you can cool off with a swim on arrival. Away from the coast, 13 miles of hiking trails lead the way through forested wildlands, with some trails open to cyclists and horseback riders too. Camping isn’t permitted within the state park.
This coastal park is most enticing in summer, when the waters are warm enough to swim, and the tree-lined trails provide plenty of shade. However, the small beach can get busy on summer weekends, and picnic spots fill up quickly—opt for a weekday visit out of season if you want to avoid the crowds. Time your visit for low tide if you plan on fossil hunting.